Depression Masterclass 1: Working with Chronic, Treatment Resistant & ‘Complex’ Depression

This workshop will consider the related but different concepts of chronicity, treatment-resistance and complexity in depression, and the clinical importance of being clear in our terminology. Current evidence, from the work of DeRubeis and others, regarding effective components of CBT for depression (agreement on the tasks and goals of therapy, using concrete rather than abstract interventions, focussing on skill-acquisition, use of homework and use of outcome measures) will be discussed and participants will have the opportunity to review their own practice with depression cases. The ‘vicious flower’ of depression will be used to identify the factors that may be maintaining depression in patients who do not recover, and the developmental formulation used to develop a higher order perspective on co-morbid presentations (both Axis I and Axis 2). The workshop will use case discussion, role play demonstration and skills practice to assist in understanding, formulating and treating depression cases.